2. amps-preamps
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Tubes for Cary V12 amps.

I have a few Cary V12 amps. When I bought them they came from the factory with Ruby EL 34's.  I have tried Winged C's, Electro Harmonix and JJ EL-34's and I have lot liked them as much as the Ruby's. I did ask Cary about the Ruby tubes. They said they designed the amp using those tubes and that is probably why the amp sounded best with those tubes.  So I have stuck with the Ruby's since (Ruby EL-34 BHT). But when I went to reorder the 36 tubes I need for the three amps I was told that the factory that produces the Ruby tubes in China had a fire and isn't currently making tubes and there are very few out there to be found. Also no word on when production will resume.

Anyone out there have any luck with tubes other than those I mentioned (Winged C's, Electro Harmonix and JJ) ?
whataboutbob1
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Same here on PSVANE power valves. Their 12AX7, AT and AU were interesting too. Took 50 plus hours to settle in enough to tolerate and another 50 to find out they are a bright valve.

They remind me of Sylvania valves.. Great for a tired amp, but a fresh amp with good resistors and caps.. Bright does come to mind..

All the V12 guys, a question. Do all of you run all 12 valves? And if you do have you tried fewer valves?

It is quit an eye opener and can really cool a room down..  50 years with valves and 35 valve amps 8 different kinds.

Did you fix the PS and add Hexfreds and swap out the caps.. THAT changes the type of valves you can use..

One is my own convulsion in progress from SIXPacs. I feel a Grand Mal coming on.. 50 to 100 watts increase with a toggle switch, two wires a .22uf/900v cap. A B- filter fix and signal cap swap with Frequency collection .01uf 630 cap caps added. CLOSE to MY V12r, now..

Regards
whataboutbob1 OP
34 posts
 
Hi,
I am just checking in to get some updates here. Thank you everyone for chiming in your input has been very helpful. The Ruby tube's still will not be available till sometime next year so I need to do something soon. The latest tip I received was to try Golden Lion KT-77 tubes. I did check with Cary Audio and they gave the okay to use them in the amp. Has anyone had any experience with those tubes in this amp?
whataboutbob1 OP
34 posts
 
Hi all,

Just offer an update I did finally choose the Golden Lion kt77 tubes. My initial impression is I made the right choice is they sound pretty good right out of the gate. Everything I read about the tubes say they need to break in for a while to sound their best so I can only imagine them getting better from this point. Thank you for taking the time to offer your help! It was very helpful and is much appreciated!
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